Out.com Fashion Advice: Sweat it Out

 

Photo: Getty Images

Each week, the fashion editors at Out.com answer your fashion questions! Visit Out.com for new advice or seek answers to your own style quandaries by sending an email to fashionadvice@out.com!

Q:
Whenever I wear a light-colored shirt in the spring or summer, wet sweat spots in my armpits ruin my outfit and it's embarrassing. Besides wearing black t-shirts all summer long, what can I do?

A: Fear not, my friend, we'll have you sporting your pink polos in no time! While sweating is a natural and vital function of your body, nothing can ruin an outfit like an overzealous sweat gland. Keeping your sweat in check is also more than just a vanity issue -- it can also cut down on malodor. B.O. is caused by stinky bacteria that love to inhabit dark, warm and moist areas of your body, which makes your pits prime real estate. Keeping those areas dry is like a "No Vacancy" sign for odor-causing nasties.

Antiperspirant is key. Make sure you pick up the stick that says "Antiperspirant" and not just "Deodorant." While a deodorant will mask or neutralize underarm odor for a short period of time, an antiperspirant will actually reduce or stop your glands from pumping out the sweat. Most people put on their antiperspirant in the morning after their shower but for best results, apply it before you go to bed to ensure that your body absorbs the maximum amount of sweat-stopping aluminum chloride. It works for 24 hours! Applying an antiperspirant right after a shower won't allow your body enough time to absorb the good stuff before you become active. Also, stick to natural and breathable fabrics like cotton--like you needed another reason to avoid rayon and polyester.

If you're still sweating a ton, upgrade your antiperspirant. Try Degree, which is activated by body heat, or Gillette Clinical Strength. If those don't work, reach for CertainDri, a roll-on that contains the maximum amount of aluminum without a prescription. Apply as little as possible or you'll feel the burn—especially if you have sensitive skin.

If your sweat glands are still wet and wild, see your doctor because you may have a medical condition called hyperhidrosis (a medical term that means "I sweat too much")—which can be treated with prescription antiperspirants and even underarm shots of Botox (yes, that Botox!).

Now go forth and work those pastel Ralph Lauren or Lacoste polos with confidence!